"The age for a free bus pass could rise in Wales under proposals for a shakeup" -- Wales OnLine

[William of Walworth]

No time to rant about how pissed off I am with this possibility, but here's the so far very vague and undetailed story about Welsh Government 'discussion paper' on transport -- Wales OnLine

I turn 60 in just over three years time (late August 2022). I spend a fortune on buses in Swansea at the moment. They'll take away my free bus at 60 over my non-dead body!!! x 10,000

Does anyone have any more information?

The BBC story (no time to find that just now) mentions changes in "2021" rather than anything more immediate. But surely the Welsh Government, and AMs and MPs in Wales, will face huge levels of anger (among anyone over 50 especially), if the removal of this correct and justified privilege comes to pass???

 

[hash tag]

You are making an assumption that there will still be buses running in 3 years time

On a more serious note, who knows how things will pan out after Halloween.

 

[Pickman's model]

You are making an assumption that there will still be buses running in 3 years time

On a more serious note, who knows how things will pan out after Halloween.

 

[StoneRoad]

I *think* their intention is to bring that concession in line with the increases in retirement ages.

I have already been *caught* by the same change in the UK, but at least my railcard was available. (Got & is renewed for me as a New Year present ...) I now have years to wait for the bus equivalent, and my state pension. Which means I'm still working when I had planned to be retired.

 

[mwgdrwg]

With the nature of the landscape in Wales buses are essential for many to get to the shops/banks.doctor's etc...so this is a fucking disgrace.

 

[StoneRoad]

My old man, before he was housebound, made great use of his bus pass.
He did use the Festiniog when it was running over the tourist / summer seaon but in winter he relied on bus transport. Or, when he was somewhat younger, in good weather he walked ...

 

[William of Walworth]

I've been a way alot in the summer admittedly, but I've heard a big fat zero on this story since I started this thead

 

[William of Walworth]

But now we have this welcome news -- a huge relief!!

Free bus pass age increase for over-60s in Wales AXED!

Free bus pass age increase for over-60s in Wales axed

Ministers change their mind about raising it in line with the state pension age.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[William of Walworth]

Why needlessly strengthen even further the Tories' position within Wales, they may have partly been thinking ..........